Rats Ate Your Car Wires? Standard Warranty Pays ₹0. But Your Insurance Policy Pays FULL!

You turn the key, but your car won't start. You open the bonnet and find the horror: Wires chewed, insulation torn, and rat droppings everywhere.

You tow the car to the service center, expecting your "5-Year Manufacturer Warranty" to cover it. The advisor smiles and says: "Sorry Sir, rat bite is an external factor. Warranty rejected. The repair bill is ₹25,000."

Don't panic and don't pay cash. Most car owners don't know that Rat Bite damage IS covered by your Comprehensive Car Insurance. Here is how to make the insurer pay for the mess in 2026.

Rats Ate Your Car Wires? Standard Warranty Pays ₹0.

1. Why Warranty Rejects, But Insurance Accepts

It is crucial to understand the difference:

   
• Warranty: Covers "Manufacturing Defects" (e.g., faulty engine, bad sensors). Rats are not a manufacturing defect.
   
• Insurance: Covers "Accidental & External Damage." Just like a stone hitting your windshield, a rat chewing your wires is an unforeseen external event.

Under the "Own Damage" section of your policy, Indian insurers classify rat bites as "Accidental Damages".

2. Will It Cover the Entire Bill? (The 'Zero Dep' Rule)

This is where 2026 policy details matter. To get a "Full" payout, you need to check two things:

• Zero Depreciation Add-on: Wiring harnesses contain plastic and rubber. Without "Zero Dep" cover, the insurer will deduct depreciation (often 50%), forcing you to pay half the bill. With Zero Dep, they pay 100%.
• Consumables Cover: If the rat chewed a pipe and coolant/oil leaked out, the cost of refilling fluids is considered a "Consumable." You need this add-on to cover those costs.

3. The EV Warning: A ₹2 Lakh Nightmare

If you drive an Electric Vehicle (EV), listen closely. Rat bites in EVs are catastrophic. If a rodent chews the High Voltage orange cables, the entire harness often needs replacing (splicing is dangerous).

Bills for EVs can easily exceed ₹1 Lakh. Never try to repair EV wiring cheaply at a local garage; file an insurance claim immediately.

4. Step-by-Step Claim Process

Do not let the service center convince you to pay cash to "avoid hassle."

   
1. Take Photos: Before the mechanic cleans it up, take clear photos of the chewed wires and rat droppings as evidence.
   
2. Inform Insurer: Call them immediately. State clearly: "My car has suffered accidental damage due to rodent entry."
   
3. Pay the Deductible: You only pay the "Compulsory Deductible" (usually ₹1,000 for cars < 1500cc, ₹2,000 for > 1500cc). The insurer pays the rest.

5. Should You Claim? (NCB Math)

Before filing, do the math regarding your No Claim Bonus (NCB).

If the repair bill is only ₹2,000, pay it yourself to save your NCB discount for next year. However, if the main wiring harness is damaged (bills > ₹15,000), losing a small NCB to save ₹15,000 is definitely worth it.

Don't Let Rodents Ruin Your Wallet

Rats are a menace in Indian cities, but they shouldn't drain your bank account.

Next time a mechanic tells you "Rat bite is not covered," show them your insurance policy. You paid for "Comprehensive" cover—make sure you use it.

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Disclaimer: Insurance approvals depend on the surveyor's report. Zero Depreciation add-on is recommended for full coverage on plastic/rubber parts.